HAL HPT-32 Deepak

HPT-32
A HPT-32 in an IAF Air Base
General information
Type	Primary trainer
National origin	India
Manufacturer	Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Designer	Aircraft Research & Development Center (HAL)
Primary user	Indian Air Force Indian Naval Air Arm
History
Manufactured	1977-1993^[citation needed]
Introduction date	1984[1]
First flight	6 January 1977[2]
Retired	2009[1]
Developed into	HAL HTT-40

The HAL HPT-32 Deepak ("lamp" in Sanskrit) is an Indian prop-driven primary trainer manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and are used as a basic trainer aircraft by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. It has two seats in side-by-side configuration. It's configuration is low-wing, monoplane, single-engine aircraft designed primarily for the training of pilots in basic aerobatics, navigation, and other flying skills. The HPT-32 is equipped with a turboprop engine, offering good fuel efficiency and handling characteristics for new pilots.

However, it faced several challenges during its service. One of the major drawbacks was issues with the engine, leading to several accidents. As a result, the aircraft's service life was cut short, and it was gradually phased out in favor of more modern trainers, such as the HAL HTT-40.

Operational history

The Deepak is used for primary training, observation, liaison and target towing.

When it flies upside-down fuel flows from a collector tank in the fuselage and the inverted flight is limited to 1 min. Deepak has a theoretical glide ratio of 8.5:1. The IAF and HAL are looking into new safety systems such as Ballistic Recovery Systems to enable it to descend safely in the event of an engine failure. On 16 May 2010 the IAF cleared the installation of a parachute recovery system.[3] The HPT-32 aircraft has been replaced by the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II in the IAF, as its workhorse as a Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) in 2013.

Accidents

In 17 Deepak crashes so far, 19 pilots have died.[4] The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has been reported as saying the aircraft is "technologically outdated and beset by flight safety hazards" when discussing the grounding of the fleet in 2009.[5] HAL HTT-40 is going replace HAL HPT-32 Deepak as primary trainer.[6]

Versions

HPT-32

Basic version, powered byTextron Lycoming EIO-540-D4B5 flat six piston engine

HTT-34

Turboprop version, powered by 310 kW (420 shp) Allison 250-B17D engine. First flew on 17 June 1984.[7]

Operators

 India

• Indian Air Force 144 for basic training[1]
• Indian Navy[2] 8 for basic training

Specifications (HPT-32)

Data from Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide [8]

General characteristics

• Crew: 2: student, instructor
• Length: 25 ft 4 in (7.7 m)
• Wingspan: 31 ft 2 in (9.5 m)
• Height: 9 ft 7 in (2.9 m)
• Wing area: 15.0 m² (162 ft² [9])
• Empty weight: 2,280 lb (1,034 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 2,915 lb (1,322 kg) 1322 kg
• Powerplant: 1× Lycoming AEO-540-D4B5 piston engine, 260 hp (194 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 175 mph (281 km/h)
• Range: 755 nm (1,400 km)
• Service ceiling: (18,045 ft)
• Rate of climb: (1100 ft/min)

Armament
Four hardpoints; 255 kg warload; machine gun pods; bombs; rockets

See also

Related HAL development:

• HAL HTT-40
• HAL HUL-26 Pushpak
• HAL HT-2

Comparable or Related Basic Trainers:

• Pilatus P-3
• Beechcraft T-34 Mentor
• PAC CT/4 Airtrainer
• North American T-28 Trojan

References

Notes

1. "HAL HPT-32 Deepak". bharat-rakshak.
2. Taylor 1996, p. 401
3. "IAF gives nod for HPT-32 revival". The Hindu. May 16, 2010. Retrieved May 17, 2010.
4. Shukla, Ajai (5 April 2010). "Scrabbling for solutions". Business Standard India.
5. "Crashes, engine failures ground IAF trainer aircraft - Thaindian News". Archived from the original on 2018-04-30. Retrieved 2010-04-14.
6. Dutta, Amrita Nayak (2022-10-18). "Made in India Takes Off: Intermediate Jet Trainer HJT-36 to be Certified Soon, HAL Eyes Export of HTT-40". News18. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
7. Lambert 1990, p. 198
8. Rendall, David (1995). Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide. Glasgow, UK: HarperCollinsPublishers. pp. 505. ISBN 0-00-4709802.
9. Taylor 1999, p.433

Bibliography

• Lambert, Mark, ed. (1990). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1990–91. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Defence Data. ISBN 0-7106-0908-6.
• Taylor, Michael J. H. (1996). Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory. London, England: Brassey's. ISBN 1-85753-198-1.
• Taylor, M.J.H. (ed,). Brassey's World Aircraft Systems Directory 1999/2000 Edition. London: Brassey's, 1999. ISBN 1-85753-245-7.